Tracking the time taken to complete a unit of work from start to finish.
Cycle time is the measure of the total time taken to complete a unit of work, from the moment it is initiated until it is delivered. This metric is crucial for teams aiming to enhance their efficiency and predictability in delivering value. By tracking cycle time, organisations can identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, and optimise workflows, ultimately leading to faster delivery of products and services.
Understanding cycle time enables teams to make informed decisions based on empirical data, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. It allows for better forecasting and planning, as teams can predict how long future work will take based on historical performance. This predictability is essential for aligning stakeholder expectations and ensuring that customer needs are met in a timely manner.
Cycle time also supports a systemic approach to value delivery, as it encourages teams to focus on the entire workflow rather than isolated tasks. By reducing cycle time, organisations can enhance their responsiveness to market changes and customer feedback, thereby increasing their competitive advantage. This focus on efficiency and adaptability is vital in today’s fast-paced environment, where the ability to deliver value quickly and sustainably is paramount.
If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.
We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.
Freadom
New Signature
Alignment Healthcare
Higher Education Statistics Agency
CR2
Microsoft
Boeing
Kongsberg Maritime
Epic Games
NIT A/S
Sage
Bistech
Slaughter and May
Xceptor - Process and Data Automation
ALS Life Sciences
Workday
Teleplan
Genus Breeding Ltd
Washington Department of Enterprise Services
Ghana Police Service
Department of Work and Pensions (UK)
New Hampshire Supreme Court
Royal Air Force
Nottingham County Council
Teleplan
Graham & Brown
Brandes Investment Partners L.P.
Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)
YearUp.org
Trayport